For most of us, booking a holiday is a fairly straight-forward activity. The Internet has made it easy to arrange holidays to faraway places and has turned all of us into travel agents; we comfortably book airline tickets, accommodation and transport online. Google any term that includes the word “holiday” or “flights” and thousands of pages are returned offering amazing travel deals. But, no matter how tempting these travel deals may sound, there are some important points to remember when booking a holiday online.

Generally, a package tour is not cheaper online. Whether you buy directly from a tour operator or online, you will pay the same amount for the same deal. The Internet is of course a great source of information and can be used to compare prices, but a travel agent will give you as good a travel deal as any online site. They might also be able to negotiate extra perks, and can sort out any problems that may arise during your holiday.

Another important point to consider is that the Internet cannot suggest alternative options if your first choice is not available. The Internet only responds to specific queries. Therefore, the initiative has to come from the person behind the keyboard. A travel agent or tour operator, on the other hand, might be able to give additional or alternative information and make suggestions if your first choice is unavailable or impractical.

The possibility of deception is a huge factor when considering online travel deals. Misleading information and “marketing speak” could raise expectations, which could result in bitter disappointment. It is a good idea to always consult websites such as Tripadvisor, to find out what others travellers thought of a resort, hotel or package deal. Do not blindly believe all you read!

The Internet can be a great and useful resource when making travel arrangements and purchasing travel deals. However, always be wary of exceptional deals. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!